Man City approach Porto to sign Nico Gonzalez | OneFootball

Manchester City formally approached FC Porto to ask for central midfielder Nico Gonzalez, according to an exclusive from Fabrizio Romano.

Per the reports, Man City have started talks with the Portuguese giants, who want a blockbuster transfer fee for the player. His release clause is worth €60 million.

More importantly, there is a critical sticking point in the deal. La Liga side Barcelona have a 40% sell-on clause, and Porto will consider that when the Cityzens submit their bid.

Gonzalez has caught the eye strutting his stuff for Porto in the Primeira Liga this season alongside Alan Varela in the engine room. He looks like the perfect replacement for City stalwart Ilkay Gundogan.

The 23-year-old is a technically secure operator who can bolster the Man City midfield. He is fleet-footed and hard to hold when he gets going.

The Spaniard has netted five goals and registered three assists in 17 league appearances. He has also been a mainstay in the Europa League, recording a goal and two assists.

Man City are revamping their team in the winter transfer window after struggling this season. Pep Guardiola’s side already secured Vitor Reis, Omar Marmoush, and Abdukodir Khusanov while advancing a deal for Andrea Cambiasso of Juventus.

If Man City move swiftly, they can make Gonzalez their fourth winter signing as they look to overcome Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League play-offs and make a deep run while surging up the Premier League table.

The move for Gonzalez has the imprint of Sporting CP’s Hugo Viana, who is expected to replace Spaniard Txiki Begiristain as the sporting director of Manchester City. He knows the Portuguese league well.

The new signings have bolstered the team, even though City’s run of form started before they came through the Etihad Stadium.

Man City have won six of their last eight games, with one draw against Brentford and a loss to Paris Saint-Germain punctuating that excellent run.